Uh oh, looks like the Rolex will have to wait. Stumbled on a watch for sale on the secondary market that I have been seeking for some time. At the time I bought my Speedy 9300, the choice was between that watch and the Speedy - I never regretted the choice - just always wished I could have done both. Now it seems like I might be able to do just that - and at a MUCH better than new price. Taking a short road trip to pick it up tomorrow - everyone keep your fingers crossed for me. :-) Hint - it's a chronograph that sits roughly in the same price bracket as the Speedy (new).

Thanks for the pic of the 5513. Looks great! I think you need to try each watch on and see how you feel about a 114270, 116520, or 116000. Each will have a different look and different feel. Obviously, the 114270 has the old style bracelet and clasp. However, to be honest it never bothered me on that watch, and I have to admit even though the current model has a better clasp and solid center bracelet links, I prefer 114270 because of its dial & numerals, and the dimensions of the 114270, which was the last of the 36mm Explorers. As you mentioned, it does have a storied history, and I found it worked well with a suit for situations where you didn't need a true dress watch.

As for the 116520, its tough enough to handle whatever you can dish out. Its also going to feel at home in terms of size on your wrist, while a 114270 is smaller (not in a bad way, just may take some time for you to get used to it). I used a Daytona as my daily wearer for about 5 years. Never a problem. Whether you will feel badly banging it up (if you are tough on watches), is something only you can decide. I know guys that won't drive their 1970s and 1980s Fiats and Alfas in the rain...but I've seen guys that will drive a Ferrari Testarossa and Lamborghini Gallardo in the snow & salt. One mans grail watch or car, is another guy's beater.

As for the 116000, it will handle whatever you can dish out. You get a wider choice of dials. I prefer the professional/sports models so the 116000 wouldn't really hold my interest, but its still a nice watch.

Thanks Dino for the thoughtful response. I only found this forum maybe a year ago and really enjoy the insight of the folks here. My personal "watch journey" started maybe a couple of years ago. I've always enjoyed watches but seemed to spend my $$$ on other toys like bikes, skis, etc before getting a "serious" watch. I debated between modern vs vintage as a first real watch and eventually I did pick up a 4-line 14060m but really didn't connect with it. I then stumbled across my current 5513 which is my birth year (within a couple of months) and knew that was THE watch. It is far from a quality piece but I like it and it is my daily wearer for 80% of the time.... although I am definitely careful at times. That is why I am now getting the itch for another daily watch to split duties.... but one that I can truly wear in all conditions if necessary. I will definitely take some time at my "local" AD 45 mins away and see if the either the 116520 or 116000 connects with me. I might have to simply take a leap of faith with the 114270 because I doubt I will actually find one to fondle in person near me....

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheWraith

The Sierra Nevada Mountains? My wife's family is from close to that area

Yup.... I've been here 11+ years and while the outdoor recreation is world class, it is far from being the mecca for horology.

Quote:

Originally Posted by no frills

Hot darn, that's a lovely 5513. It's not helping my resolve to not get a new piece anytime soon... especially since I've been feeling like I need a Sub in my life...

Same with Dino's point re: 114270. I have a 116520 as well and I probably use my 114270 as a beater much more. Of course my wife uses my 116520 as her daily wearer nowadays.

Speaking of Daytonas, here's Sofia Vergara wearing an all-gold Daytona. What is it with super hot women and all-gold Daytonas?

Frills - Like others have said on this forum.... you have a very impressive quiver of watches. And honestly a path I am likely to follow since I am also becoming fond of PPs. My wife actually despises my latest watch obsession but is slowly starting to come around. I think a SS Daytona would look good on her.... so maybe in the future. Actually I am in a pretty fortunate position in that my company I co-founded, has literally sky rocketed the last couple of years. We turned down a couple of acquisition offers last year. While there are no guarantees in life, I truly believe I am sitting on a "winning lottery" ticket which will come to fruition in the next 1-2 years.... at which point I could see pieces like the PP 5270p in my future. If that does happen.... I'll be coming to NYC so you can introduce me to your dealers . Anyhow I am in no rush.... and I think I might be leaning more towards the 114270 to satisfy my current itch and then next Spring the 116200 for a "b-day" present for the wife. Ha!

Quote:

Originally Posted by dddrees

Excellent, nothing beats a good old vintage sub on a Nato.

Yeah I like to mix it up every other month or so. With a drawer fully of Natos and vintage leather straps... I feel like I have a new watch whenever I make the change!

Thanks Dino for the thoughtful response. I only found this forum maybe a year ago and really enjoy the insight of the folks here. My personal "watch journey" started maybe a couple of years ago. I've always enjoyed watches but seemed to spend my $$$ on other toys like bikes, skis, etc before getting a "serious" watch. I debated between modern vs vintage as a first real watch and eventually I did pick up a 4-line 14060m but really didn't connect with it. I then stumbled across my current 5513 which is my birth year (within a couple of months) and knew that was THE watch. It is far from a quality piece but I like it and it is my daily wearer for 80% of the time.... although I am definitely careful at times. That is why I am now getting the itch for another daily watch to split duties.... but one that I can truly wear in all conditions if necessary. I will definitely take some time at my "local" AD 45 mins away and see if the either the 116520 or 116000 connects with me. I might have to simply take a leap of faith with the 114270 because I doubt I will actually find one to fondle in person near me....

Great story about not really connecting with the 14060M, and then stumbling across your 5513 and knowing it was "THE watch." When its the right watch, you just kind of know it. I think that is what you will find by trying a few pieces on at an AD or reputable vintage watch shop (provided there are some in your area). I'm sure you will make the right choice. Any of the ones you are considering are up to the tasks you will put them through. I guess its simply a matter of what you are looking for, and what you are comfortable with as a daily wearer.

I hope you will continue to visit us here and let us know how the journey for your next watch is going. I think my wife became more interested in my watch hobby when she realized that most of my watches are worth more than I paid for them. She has actually developed a keen eye and will let me know if she saw someone at a meeting wearing a nice watch. Good luck on your hunt for the next watch.

rnguy - I'm not down on contemporary IWCs in any generalized sense. I just think their ETA /Sellita powered watches aren't a great value, and wish their extended power reserve watches kept better time. But there are many contemporary IWC watches I would happily call my own, including the terrific Yacht Club chrono. Which is also not what I'm actually getting.